Hiland graduates bask in the glow of a special moment in life

Hiland High School held its 2025 graduation ceremony in the Perry Reese Jr. Community Center on Sunday, May 18, and nearly five dozen seniors went from being titled high school students to officially becoming a part of the adult world.

After the processional introduction of all graduating seniors was presented courtesy of the Hiland band playing “Pomp and Circumstances” with the graduates parading in two by two, Jackson Mullet provided an invocation, thanking God for the staff, community and parents who have helped bring this graduating class to this finale in East Holmes Schools.

The Hiland Varsity Singers then sang the Hiland alma mater, and Zeke Bodiker provided the welcome.

“I’m honored to be standing in front of you today representing such a fine institution and group of students who over the past four years have forged such a legacy together,” Bodiker said. “On behalf of the teachers, coaches and staff who put time in educating and molding us into the men and women we are, we would not be here where we are without their hard work.

“We will be eternally grateful for their lifelong friendships and memories with our peers. Over the years we have all experienced the highs and lows of life, the challenges and triumphs. We experienced them together and continue to grow.”

Following a rendition of the song “Dancing Queen” by the Hiland band, Salutatorian Caroline Malicky thanked the teachers, who helped mold each student in a variety of ways and made a lifelong impact.

She also thanked the parents, who dedicated themselves to raising and nurturing their children and pushing them to thrive and achieve.

“Here we stand after 12 years of hard work, effort and many, many tests,” Malicky said. “We have accomplished so much.”

Valedictorian Hannah Barkley then spoke about how blessed she and her class members were to have so many people continually supporting them along every step of the way.

“Here we are in the turning point in our lives, where the curtain is closing on high school, and while we have a general idea of what the next act will hold, we can’t really be sure what the following years will hold for us,” Barkley said. “The main thing I’ve learned over the years is that God always works everything together for good. We should remember the good that has already been worked in our lives.”

That was followed by the senior video portion of the celebration, showing each graduate as an infant and as a graduating senior before the video ended with nearly every senior signing a Plexiglas sheet in front of the camera, adding their own style and flair to the process.

The Varsity Singers then presented the song “Like a River in My Soul,” and Principal Tyler Renner presented the Hiland Class of 2025.

Prior to the presentation of diplomas, East Holmes Superintendent Erik Beun shared his thoughts on this year’s graduating class, one he praised for their hard work and character.

“Seniors, as you leave Hiland, I encourage you to commit to something based on the choices that you make,” Beun said. “In some sense it will be a gamble. But take that gamble. You won’t know 100% sure what will work and what won’t work, but it will ultimately lead to the best version of yourselves.”

He said life is made up of decisions both good and bad, but there is no bigger win than the win derived from making a choice, noting each person is incredibly fortunate to have the freedom to make those choices in life.

“Right choices will lead you all to the best versions of yourself, and by extension our school and community,” Beun said, “History teaches us that doing things together, caring for each other and making the best decisions always makes a difference. Starting now, our community needs you. You are it, the future of our community.

“Take those lessons and make good, meaningful decisions that work for you and bless future generations.”

The graduates then proceeded across the stage, received their diplomas and, following the benediction from fellow senior Ryan Hamsher, paraded out to a bright future of choices.